Overview

A small expanding independent ecological consultancy based in Cheshire providing comprehensive ecology services from baseline surveys to impact assessments, habitat creation and management, and expert witness advice.

Our services include but are not limited to preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA) /UKHab surveys, specialist botanical & NVC surveys, hedgerow assessments.  Protected species mitigation and licence applications.  Biodiversity net gain assessments (BNG), project ecology management including ecological impact assessment (EcIA) and ecology management plans.

Development and career growth through in-house training with our expert consultants along with a large range of industry accredited training courses are available.

Position

We are looking for an up-and-coming ecological consultant to join our ecology team based in Cheshire.

You will have previous experience in consultancy and have the confidence to undertake site and office-based tasks including protected species surveys, desk studies and preliminary ecological appraisals with minimal supervision.  You will possess as a minimum, a level 1 Great crested newt and bat licence and FISC level 3.

Key tasks & responsibilities 

  • Undertake a wide range of ecological surveys including PEA’s and protected species surveys for the purpose of planning applications
  • Carry out desk studies and be responsible for data management and report writing
  • Facilitation of survey teams to ensure raw data and survey results are managed, written up and filed correctly
  • Analysing and interpreting data, using specialist software programs
  • Writing and finalising reports
  • Attend all regular meetings and ensure all relevant information is cascaded as appropriate.
  • Adhere to company health and safety standards, fostering and promoting a positive health and safety culture.
  • Ensure that all appropriate paperwork is completed and distributed to relevant members of the team to ensure the smooth operation of the business.
  • Ensure that all relevant documentation is completed and filed/uploaded in accordance with company and unit procedure. This includes the management of data on the company server.
  • Be contactable during all survey periods including anti-social hours. Retain good communication with other members of the team.
  • Ensure appropriate maintenance of company bat detectors, survey equipment, company vehicles and office equipment to enable effective recording and surveying and to avoid any unnecessary loss/company expense
  • Work towards and obtain your level 2 bat licence
  • Obtain level 4 FISC
  • Maintain and update your CIEEM CPD log and membership grade
  • Submit weekly time sheets for the purpose of invoicing
  • Mentor and support the development of graduate ecologists.

As an organisation operating throughout the UK, you will need to enjoy exploring the country as travelling and staying away from home are a regular requirement particularly during peak season.

Essential skills and attributes

  • Understanding of and experience in Phase 1 habitat and protected species surveys.
  • Identification skills of all common/widespread trees, shrubs, grasses, flowering plants, birds, reptiles & amphibians and habitat-types likely to be encountered in a typical field survey
  • Level 1 GCN and bat licence
  • Experience of liaising with clients and statutory bodies where required
  • Knowledge and awareness of planning policy and process in relation to ecology and biodiversity.
  • Knowledge and awareness of the CIEEM ecological survey guidance and protected species licencing
  • Full clean driving licence and your own car although company pool vehicles are available for staff for survey work where required.
  • Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
  • Experience using GIS software for ecological purposes
  • Experience of bat sound analysis software such as Bat Explorer
  • Knowledge of current wildlife and conservation legislation
  • Qualifying membership of The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
  • FISC level 3
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and associated programs

Benefits/Package

  • Salary of £30,000-£35,000 depending on experience
  • Funded professional body membership
  • 25 days holiday plus the day off for your birthday
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Childcare voucher scheme paid in addition to salary
  • Company phone and laptop
  • Training budget and progression plan
  • Opportunity to develop your career with a growing business
  • Discretionary service bonus
  • TOIL (time off in lieu) policy and flexible approach to working hours
  • Auto-enrolment pension scheme (after 3 months service)

This is a permanent position offered on a full or part-time basis with a working split between our Knutsford office and on-site work.

Please send your application to Jenny Gibbs with a CV and covering letter to jenny@ues.org.uk.  For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01565757788 or 07703352655